Mandatory reconsideration

Theresa63

Hi I would like some advice about MR. It's the first time I've claimed for PIP. I have ASD, depression and spinal stenosis. I was due to have a telephone assessment (which was texted to me 2 weeks prior) however 20 minutes before my assessment I received a call to say they were running late and they would contact me within the next hour. I was so stressed and anxious as I had psyched myself up, I was in bits. Almost an hour later I was called to say that the assessement couldn't take place as they had no one with experience to undertake my assessment. I was so upset and conseqently had a meltdown. My next assessment date was for 2 weeks later and as you can imagine I was a nervous wreck. Although I had support from my husband, I could not answer the questions in depth due to my inability to process information. When I did answer each question I was interrrupted by the assessor, she kept saying 'we will come to that later.' That did no good for my self-esteem or confidence. In my opinion the assessor did not have the knowledge or experience dealing with a person who is autistic. I did a mandatory reconsideration over the phone but I feel that I need more advice about sending additional evidence and how to go about it.

Thank you

Charlie_Scope

Hello @Theresa63.

I'm sorry to hear your assessment experience was so difficult. If you've requested a mandatory reconsideration over the phone, you can still send in extra information, but it's best to do it as soon as possible, as the process may have already started.

Sadly, most mandatory reconsiderations aren’t successful, but success rates are much higher at tribunal if you decide to keep going.

Have you asked for a copy of your assessment report? And do you know which specific descriptors you want to challenge?

Theresa63

Hi Charlie

Thank you for contacting me. I haven't asked for a copy of assessment report as I thought the assessment was what was on the decision letter. I need to challenge all the descriptors apart from managing toilet needs which I only scored 2 points. I'm struggling to get motivated as my mental health is not good and I'm confused on how and where to send evidence or how to get a copy of my assessment report.

Thank you

Collette